CSSE 490 -- Dynamic Storage Reclamation

Homework 8

1. Complete the assigned reading for the next session. If you have not completed the reading from the previous session you are advised to do so. See the course schedule for details.

2. (20 pts) In preparation for your term project select, download, and install a a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) on your LINUX system --Jikes RVM.  This VM was suggested by students before you.  Here are the guidelines that they used to decide on Jikes RVM--the environment in which you will implement your projects.  You should first join the jikesrvm researchers mailing list before you begin your installation.  

   JVM Selection Guidelines:

   • Examine the list of free, open source JVMs listed on the course's index page. You are not limited to those JVMs.  If you discover others as you do your exploration, you can forward that information to me.

   • Does the JVM have a large active community of developers and users that supports it? 

   • Is the JVM associated with a community that uses a mailing list or other media to offer support to both users and developers?

   • Is the JVM written in a language with which you are comfortable programming?

   • Is this a JVM whose design is simple, modular, and easy to use for implementing memory management  algorithms (Does it contain instructions on how to add and change garbage collectors; an example or two would make it attractive)?

   Discuss how the above guidelines apply to Jikes RVM and to at least one other JVM.

3. (20 points)Write a one to two page report addressing the following questions:

   •  Which JVMs did you consider and which did you pick, besides Jikes RVM, to apply the above guidelines to?

   • What motivated you to select that JVM?

   • What are its strengths, its weaknesses?

   • Discuss your installation experience with Jikes RVM.  In your discussion describe whether the process was straight forward. 

     • Did you encounter problems? 

     • How did you address them? 

     • Were you required to install additional software?

     • What were they and how did you install them?

   • What is the status of your installation? 

     • Can you run Jikes RVM on your machine? 

     • Give an example of how you used Jikes RVM to run a Java application.

4.  Instructions on how to submit your solutions to questions 2 and 3:

   • Demonstrate to your instructor that you have installed Jikes RVM on your LINUX machine and are able to use it to run a Java program.

   • Submit your report in a drop box on the course Angel page. The drop box is located under Lessons → Homework  → Homework 8 → HW8 Drop Box.